Summary
According toInvinciblecreator Robert Kirkman,he is not a fan of DC Comics' Batman, or the major publishers in general. Having also createdThe Walking Dead, Kirkman stands out as arguably the most prolific independent comic book creator of the 2000s, making his perception of mainstream comic book characters particularly noteworthy.
The Walking Dead Deluxe#91 – written by Robert Kirkman, with art by Charlie Adlard – continues the full-color reprint of the series. Issues of the re-release also include new annotations from the author, revealing a wealth of behind-the-scenes details about the creation of the series and his writing process.
Despite the iconic status of comics' biggest characters, it isn’t uncommon for prominent creators to have opinions that go against the grain. In Kirkman’s case, he’s avoided falling into one of the biggest fan communities in all pop culture, as he professed not to be afan of the Caped Crusader.
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Robert Kirkman Admitted That He Doesn’t Like DC Comics' Legendary Batman
Kirkman not being a big fan of Batman actually makes sense, considering how he bucked the popular trope of exploring Batmanesque characters inInvincible.
As Robert Kirkman wrote in the back ofThe Walking Dead Deluxe#91, in the letters pages, a surprising character sketch appeared in his original script for the issue:
“I drew a picture of Batman. Gross. I’m not a corporate guy. And really, in general, I’m not really a Batman fan.”
Interestingly,Kirkman has actually delved into this style of hero before, withOblivion Songserving as his approach to a Batman-like character, one reliant on gadgets and combat skills. InInvincible, The Dark Knight’s analog was Darkwing, a character relegated to brief cameos, and dispatched in a fairly unceremonious way, along with theother Guardians of the Globe.
The Walking Dead
Cast
The Walking Dead is a television series that premiered on June 19, 2025. It follows Sheriff’s deputy Rick Grimes, who awakens from a coma to find a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. He embarks on a journey to locate his family, encountering various survivors amidst the chaos.
Kirkman not being a big fan of Batman actually makes sense, considering how he bucked the popular trope of exploringBatmanesque characters inInvincible. Where many independent creators make sure to put their street-level detective front and center in pastiche-oriented books, this isn’t the case in his series. Instead, it’s younger protagonists, analogs of other independent superheroes and monsters who often take center stage. Contrasting Kirkman’s superheroes with the Caped Crusader makes for a night and day difference in tone.
Kirkman’s Indie Comics Success Is Underwritten By His Disdain For Mainstream Comics
The Writer’s Opinion On Batman Explains A Lot
Considering Robert Kirkman’s attitude toward the Caped Crusader, readers will have a better time understanding the limited use of Batman’s analogue inInvincible.
While some comic book writers have peaked in their careers writing for Marvel or DC, others have firmly carved out a role in the independent sphere. There are few writers for whom this is more true than Kirkman,whose Skybound imprint at Image has become a home for unique stories,excellent treatment of franchises, and up-and-coming creators.The writer continues to make it clear that, while he does have a healthy respect for the big two, some characters simply aren’t in his wheelhouse – especially The Dark Knight.
While Robert Kirkman’s perspective may seem like a hot take to some, it’s far from unique, especially among comic book creators. In fact, some of the most prolific comic book writers in history, namelyAlan Moore and Garth Ennis, aren’t fans of superheroes at all. In the case oftheWalking Deadcreator, his enjoyment of the likes of Superboy and the Teen Titans shines through in his signature superhero series. Considering Robert Kirkman’s attitude toward the Caped Crusader, readers will have a better time understanding the limited use of Batman’s analogue inInvincible.
The Walking Dead Deluxe#91is available now from Image Comics.
Invincible
Invincible is a multimedia franchise that began with the graphic novel series by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley. The series follows Mark Grayson, the son of Earth’s strongest hero, Omni-Man, as he enters into his powers at the cusp of adulthood. A television adaptation began in 2021 and retells the core story of the comics while fleshing it out and expanding on characters and concepts introduced in the medium.
